Aug 24, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Aryna Sabalenka after beating Rebeka Masarova of Switzerland on day one of the 2025 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

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US Open 2025 Day 1 Results – Aryna Sabalenka Gets Title Defense Underway, Novak Djokovic Cruises, Daniil Medvedev Stunned

Recap of everything that went down on opening night.

The US Open 2025 is off to an electric start, and it has already begun giving its trademark surprises. For instance, former champion Daniil Medvedev continued his disappointing streak of first-round exits in a frustrating display on opening night. While Medvedev will rue another tough loss, the journey of other major stars like Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic is off to a great start in New York.

Aryna Sabalenka Advances After a Slow Start

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka certainly did not come out all guns blazing against the Swiss competitor Rebeka Masarova. In fact, the top seed shockingly fell behind in the first set, before eking out a straight sets win. Sabalenka remained on the ropes during the opening set, where the two players traded blows to reach 5-5. But ultimately, Sabalenka was able to break the deadlock and win the set 7-5. The second set, however, was a different story.

Aryna Sabalenka thanking the atmosphere, as she does 😆 pic.twitter.com/5A0PVbDcbN
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 24, 2025

Aryna Sabalenka gained some much-needed momentum and lost just one game during the entire set. In the end, Sabalenka defeated Masarova 7-5 6-1 and advanced to the Round of 64. “I feel like I didn’t start my best in the first games, but then I found my rhythm. Happy with the level I played today,” Sabalenka said about her performance after the match.

Novak Djokovic Outlasts Learner Tien In An Electric US Open Contest

Things were never going to be easy for Novak Djokovic, who was playing his first match since Wimbledon. To make matters worse, a painful blister midway through his Round-1 encounter made things even more difficult for the 24-time Grand Slam champion. The World No. 7 made a rapid start, grabbing the opener 6-1. However, the second set stretched to a tiebreaker, where he won 7-6 (3). Despite some healthy exchanges in the third set, the young American southpaw was no match for the depth and consistency of his opponent. In the end, Nole prevailed 6-1 7-6(3) 6-2.

It was a special moment for Djokovic, who won his record-setting 80th match on Arthur Ashe Stadium. “I really was surprised how bad I was feeling in the second physically,” Djokovic noted after the match. Only time will tell if there are worrying signs for the man chasing his 25th Grand Slam title.

Emma Raducanu Breaks Unwanted Streak in Style

Former Top-10 starlet Emma Raducanu entered the US Open battling a huge mental hurdle. The Briton hadn’t won a single match at the final major of the year, since her titanic triumph in 2021. On Sunday however, Raducanu came with a mission to complete and comfortably defeated qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1 6-2.

Emma Raducanu gets her first US Open match win since 2021!

She defeats Shibahara 6-1 6-2 in just over an hour. pic.twitter.com/kFPOa48Dem
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 24, 2025

“It’s been four years, and it’s a very special tournament for me. I did feel different coming into it this year,” Raducanu said about her unwanted streak. Later, she explained that she “felt like” she was doing the right things.

Medvedev Stunned, Eala Wins Thriller, Americans Advance

Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev made a stunning comeback from two sets to love down, but failed to win the fifth set. As a result, the Russian superstar fell to another opening round exit at the hands of Benjamin Bonzi. Having already lost to the same opponent at Wimbledon, Medvedev was looking to exact revenge. Unfortunately, the World No. 13 erupted into rage mode as Bonzi prevailed 6-3 7-5 6-7(5) 0-6 6-4.

Filipino teenager Alexandra Eala managed to draw herself back from 1-5 down in the deciding set to beat 14th seed Clara Tauson 6-3 2-6 7-6(11) and advance to the Round of 64. Additionally, several American title hopes joined her in the second round. Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Brandon Nakashima, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro and McCartney Kessler began their campaigns in victorious fashion.

With the US Open well and truly underway, one wonders what stories will follow after this electric start. Day-2 presents more stars in action, and more storylines to take shape.

Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Aryna Sabalenka

ATP

Daniil Medvedev

Emma Raducanu

Novak Djokovic

Tennis

US Open 2025

WTA

Sanskar Dubey

A passionate sports fan since childhood, it was always my dream to cover the peak of human potential. Baseball, Tennis, and Football (or Soccer) have been closest to my heart. From Rafael Nadal’s never-say-die attitude to Roger Federer’s beautiful backhand, I’ve seen it all. Prior to the Playoffs, I’ve worked in EssentiallySports and Pro Football and Sports Network.